Economic Rights and a Universal Basic Income

Dr Elise Klein

Abstract

This paper examines the case of a basic income as a way to secure and resecure rights in Australia. The paper argues that the negligence of economic rights has resulted in an increased threat to civil and political rights and highlights a need to secure economic security for all. The article first explores current trends in growing inequality and the persistence of poverty in Australia. Following this, the paper analyses structures within the economic and political systems that are contributing to these trends. The paper then proposes a basic income as part of a way to address structural injustice through presenting basic income as a ‘rightful share’.